Our own dedicated workshop allows us to offer a complete furniture removal, restoration and reinstating service. For example, when a pub / bar / cafe or restaurant closes for refurbishment, we will remove the tables and chairs, restore them by repairing and French polishing off-site and then return the restored items prior to the re-opening. We provide French Polishing in Leicester, but we also offer this service throughout the UK.

French Polishing - Detailed Information

French polishing is a highly skilled method of achieving beautifully rich and stunning results on wooden surfaces. French polishing is a Meticulous process that will bring the best out of the woods natural properties.

1. Preparation

To achieve the best finish any slight imperfections must be removed, including any stains or varnish that has been previously applied. We use special chemicals to remove any other contaminants from the wood. We then use a fine abrasive paper to obtain a smooth finish. Where the wood is open grained, the grain must be filled with a suitable grain filler if a glass-like finish is required. This can also be achieved by applying extra coats of polish and cutting back using an ultra fine steel wool several times until the grain is filled.

2. Fading Up

Fading up is the process of the first applications of polish. We apply the polish up and down the grain slightly overlapping the previous pass.

3. Bodying In

A series of application of polish in circular & figure of eight motions. These applications are extremely tricky as and even amount of polish must be applied to avoid light or darker spots. The motion must be swept into the wood rather than placing the rubber on the wood and starting the motion. This leaves dark spots that are very hard to remove. The final pass is a fairly brisk motion lightly up and down the grain.

4. Hardening

After 4 or 5 applications of bodying in, the work must be left for a few hours to harden. French polishing is a long process but the results are well worth the time and effort spent. We always rub down the surface between coats with fine steel wool to ensure a smooth surface.

5. Spiriting Off

Once a sufficient layer has been applied, we proceed onto the next stage. We mix the polish with methylated spirit and use the same motions when bodying in to produce a final high gloss finish. A light brisk motion will achieve a higher gloss finish.

Burnishing

In some cases, a mirror-like finish is not required. We take on the process of burnishing. After a few days of hardening, we cut back the polish using a fine steel wool and finish off with a fine paste wax.

French Polishing

The woodwork in this JD Wetherspoons pub in Fleet, Hampshire was looking tired and worn due to its heavy traffic. We carried out the stripping of the woodwork bringing it back to bare wood and making any repairs. We then started the french polishing sequence adding colour to the wood to bring out the grain. We then lacquered the wood for durability in a semi-gloss finish.

Here at Renovate, we love everything that is wood and on this occasion, it wasn't the floor that needed our attention. The bar itself in this trendy North London pub was in a sorry state with a lot or marks, dents, chips and stains. Our team of French Polishing experts were on site to strip and prepare the bar surface ready for French... Read More